Expedited screening lanes stay open after initial confusion; Secretary Noem blames Democrats for impasse threatening national security
Washington, D.C. – February 23, 2026 The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reversed its earlier announcement to suspend the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) PreCheck program, confirming that the expedited screening service will continue operating during the ongoing partial government shutdown.
DHS initially indicated Sunday morning that both TSA PreCheck and the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Global Entry program would be paused starting at 6 a.m. ET to redirect limited resources toward screening the general traveling public. The move was part of emergency measures to manage the shutdown’s impact, which began on February 14 after Congress failed to pass a funding bill for DHS.
By mid-morning, however, travelers at airports including Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport reported that PreCheck lanes were functioning normally. DHS quickly clarified that the suspension would not take effect, with the agency stating it would evaluate operations on a case-by-case basis due to staffing constraints caused by furloughs and employees working without pay.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem addressed the reversal in a statement, emphasizing the real-world consequences of the shutdown:
“Shutdowns have serious real-world consequences, not just for the men and women of DHS and their families who go without a paycheck, but it endangers our national security,” Noem said. She blamed Democrats for the impasse, accusing them of prioritizing political demands over funding essential services.
The partial shutdown, now in its second week, stems from a congressional standoff over immigration enforcement policies. Democrats have demanded reforms to agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and CBP following the fatal shooting of two U.S. citizens by federal officers during an incident in Minneapolis earlier this year.
Airlines, travel associations, and lawmakers from both parties had criticized the initial suspension plan, warning it would create massive delays and chaos at airports during a busy travel period.
For now, TSA PreCheck lanes remain open, but travelers should expect potential disruptions due to reduced staffing. DHS has urged passengers to arrive early and check airport status updates.
L’Union Suite will continue monitoring the shutdown’s impact on travel, including any effects on Haitian-American and immigrant communities relying on air travel for family visits or business.
Stay safe and plan ahead.
